June 30, 2004
Wednesday

You can tell a lie a thousand different ways, But you only have to tell the truth once. This is probably why there are so many Alaska Natives in prison because we are not good liars.

I made a big mistakes once or twice in my life Mr. Droke. The biggest mistake I made was siding with Governor Hickel on a Subsistence issue some years ago and going against all Alaskan Natives that were protesting the State of Alaska stand on Subsistence. I sided with the State of Alaska. Guess what, I was being used and then dumped by the way side by the State of Alaska. I had to eat a lot of humble pie and beg for forgiveness from my family, my own tribe and other tribes. Be careful where you stand on important issues such as Indian Grave sites. It is not a just an emotional argument. People that want to build this bridge want to pretend that there are no Indian graves on Pennock Island. The bridge will not lower the price of land for all residents, it will increase it so we can't afford to buy land. Do you know your history Mr.Droke? Who are you? Just curious. Email me.

I am indigenous to Ketchikan and surrounding area, including Metlakatla. My Great Grandfather is George Williams (Taan ta Kwaan-Tlingit). Metlakatla was a Tlingit winter village before the first Tsimsheans arrived. My Grandfather (Ya Ya) is Herman Ridley (Tsimshean-Killer Whale House). My Grandmother is Martha Williams (Taan ta Kwaan-Tlingit). My Indian name was given to me by Albert Davis, Chief of the Coho (Raven) Clan in Sitka, Alaska. Albert gave me his name that he was born with Aan Kadax Tseen at Marge Katzeek Potlatch in Haines, Alaska some years ago. Marge was Tsimshean I am told. I am from the Gaanax i di Clan, Yei l Hit (Raven House) Taan ta Kwaan (Sea-lion People) or Tongass Tribe. I know my history and who I am, consider myself a traditionalist I thought you should know who I am.

Pennock Island is a Tribal burial ground. Tlingits, Haidas, Tsimsheans and poor non-natives were also buried on Pennock Island.

Desecrating Indian graves and knowing that they are there is what I can not understand. Bull dozers, belly dumps and track hoes plowing up my and your ancestors for a bridge? Is this something you support, Mr. Droke? Answer that one to yourself. Have a happy life and pretend that everything is faultless in our great State of Alaska. Email me, Mr. Droke.

The surrounding territories belong to the Taan ta Kwaan People which includes: Pennock Island, Gravina Island, Annette Island, Duke Island, Portland Canal, Nakat Bay, Thorne Bay, George Inlet, Carrol Inlet, Chomley, Percy Islands, Village Island, Cat Island, Tongass Island and to the southern end of Prince of Wales as far as your eyes can see. To an unpopular belief in our brain washed society, these traditional territories belong to the Tongass Tribe. We have plenty to say about a bridge desecrating our tribal members buried on Pennock Island. This designed bridge to Gravina Island via Pennock Island omission is not over yet. Be warned, there will be a few surprises if the bridge goes forward.

I will do what I have to do to protect my family, Tribe, environment and my hard earned Federal taxes from going to a bridge so a few folks can drive over. Besides, I am not the only individual opposing the bridge project - there are Filipinos, Blacks, Japanese, and Chinese people that agree with my opinions.

In regards to Mr. Johansen's comments about having the Editor edit my opinions and take out the hateful language, the Editor already does that for me.

Don Hoff Jr.
Aan Kadax Tseen
Gaanax adi Clan
Yei l hit
Taan ta Kwaan
E-mail: Unukriver@aol.com
Hixson, TN - USA

Related Viewpoints:

Bridge to "nowhere" by Timothy Droke - Mesa, AZ

Hateful language by Kyle Johansen - Ketchikan, AK

 

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